Manic Monday: Hygge Explained

February 1, 2017

We’re rushing to work. We’re addicted to checking social media. We even find ourselves too busy to cook a homemade meal. Sometimes, we just need to take a break to breathe and slow down. Many of us are so preoccupied that we forget to enjoy the here and now.

It seems as though the Danish have mastered the concept of appreciating the present with what they call “hygge.” Pronounced “hue-gah,” the Oxford Dictionary defines it as a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. With long, dark winters in Denmark, hygge is essential to keeping Danes cozy and happy. It’s a way of life, creating blissful moments either alone or with friends and family, at home or out and about.

There are different things you can do every day to embody hygge, but if you want to hyggify your home, there are a few essential things you’ll need:

Light

As mentioned, the Danes experience long winters where it can be dark up to 17 hours of the day, so light is essential to keeping their spirits lifted. There is nothing like the natural warm glow of candles, but if you’re running short on them, lamps will suffice.

Cozy Nooks

These can be set up in nearly any room of the home. All that’s needed are candles or lamps and a seating area, preferably by a window to peacefully view nature. Enjoy time offline with a good book and a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Texture

Danes have a very minimalistic decorating style, so incorporating textural pieces such as throws, rugs and pillows can really add character to the place. If you want to go all out hygge, stick to a neutral color palette with only a few pops of muted color.

Are you ready to keep calm and hygge? If so, here’s a 14-day challenge we created just for you.